Teams have until noon today to claim the 29-year-old McCormick, who plays center and wing and can take a regular shift and fight.

McCormick was practicing Wednesday before the Sabres pulled him off the ice.

Tough guy John Scott and agitator Patrick Kaleta, two wingers, made McCormick expendable, Ruff said before he was fired.

McCormick played 81 games two years ago, emerging as an asset while compiling eight goals, 20 points and 142 penalty minutes. He was by far the Sabres’ best fighter.

“He’s a warrior, just plain and simple. The guy’s a warrior,” Sabres winger Steve Ott said. “It’s tough when he’s willing to fight and lay his body and his game on the line for the guys in here. When there’s lack of success, it’s always hard to see when it’s put upon a different teammate.”

Sabres owner Terry Pegula released the following statement after Ruff’s firing: “The hockey world knows how I and the entire Buffalo Sabres organization feel about Lindy Ruff not only as a coach but also as a person. His long tenure with the Sabres has ended. His qualities have made this decision very difficult. I personally want Lindy to know that he can consider me a friend always.”